Director general of the BBC, Greg Dyke, has revealed plans to cut 1100 jobs and to make senior staff are reapply for their posts. Heads of 10 departments will have to compete for three senior positions in a move to release cash for programming.

The move, which is one of the most radical since the departure of the previous director general John Birt, prompted unions to call for staff to be treated fairly.

Mr Dyke said that he expected some "high-profile casualties" but that change was essential "otherwise we will simply end up managing our own decline."

The job losses are expected to save the corporation and some £750 million over the next six years. Mr Dyke said that the savings will enable the BBC to increase spending on programming to 85 per cent of the overall budget from the current rate of 76 per cent